Vertical tillage system

ABSTRACT

A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/928,144, entitled “VERTICAL TILLAGE SYSTEM”, filed Jun. 26, 2013,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/450,285,entitled “VERTICAL TILLAGE SYSTEM”, filed Apr. 18, 2012 (now U.S. Pat.No. 8,511,398), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/293,549, entitled “VERTICAL TILLAGE SYSTEM”, filed Nov. 10, 2011(now U.S. Pat. No. 8,302,700), which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/946,310, entitled “VERTICAL TILLAGE SYSTEM”,filed Nov. 28, 2007 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,074,729). Each of the foregoingapplications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to tillage implements and, in particular, totillage implements utilizing rotary blades.

It is well known that to attain the best agricultural performance from apiece of land, a farmer must cultivate the soil, typically through atilling operation. Common tilling operations include plowing, harrowing,and sub-soiling. Modern farmers perform these tilling operations bypulling a tilling implement behind a motorized tractor. Depending on thecrop selection and the soil conditions, a farmer may need to performseveral tilling operations at different times over a crop cycle toproperly cultivate the land to suit the crop choice.

In one type of tilling operation, rows or gangs of discs are pulledthrough soil at depths between 3 and 6 inches to break up clods or lumpsof soil, as well as old plant material to (1) provide a more amenablesoil structure for planting and (2) level the soil surface.

The configuration of the tilling implement gangs and their constituentdiscs will determine the quality and quantity of the passes required toeffectively till an area of soil. For example, a gang of parallel flatdiscs pulled through the soil, oriented such that their axis ofrevolution is perpendicular to the direction of pull, will not be veryeffective at tilling the soil. To improve the tilling action, thoseskilled in the art have attempted to change the angle at which the gangis oriented. However, an increased gang angle can cause complications.The increased gang angle will leave large clods of soil that may requiremultiple passes to pulverize. Additionally, the side pressure of thesoil against the sides of flat discs or discs having only a shallowconcavity of 1.25 to 1.69 inches will often break the discs. To increasedisc strength, the disc can be made to be more concave. However,increasing the concavity of the discs to improve their strength promotesthe formation of an undesirable compaction layer.

Thus, tilling implements involving discs have a number of drawbacks.First, multiple passes of the tilling implement over the same area ofsoil may be required to properly cultivate the soil and cut throughheavy crop residue. If multiple passes are required, then the farmerwill incur increased costs associated with the amount of time and fuelrequired to prepare the seedbed. Known tilling implements are limited tospeeds below approximately 6 miles per hour. Speeds in excess ofapproximately 6 miles per hour will vertically lift the tillingimplement, resulting in the blades engaging the soil by less than 3 to 6inches. If this occurs, the blades will not effectively till the soilor, if the blades are forced to remain in the soil, it can result inincreased disc failure due to the increased pressure applied to thediscs by the soil at greater velocities.

Second, existing cultivators compact the soil under the preparedseedbed. This layer of compacted soil inhibits plant germination, rootgrowth, and crop yield. The presence of a compacted layer of soil mayrequire an additional tillage operation such as plowing to break up thecompacted earth in order to avoid the problems of poor water absorptionand weak anchoring of crops in the ground.

Thus, there is a need for a tilling implement that is capable ofthoroughly tilling the soil in a single pass and capable of traveling atgreater speeds without excessive disc failure or the formation of acompaction layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The present invention overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks byproviding a vertical tillage system incorporating fluted-concave discblades. The present invention utilizes a fluted-concave disc blade, suchas described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,602 or other fluted-concave discblades and incorporated herein by reference, moving soil not onlylaterally, but also up and away from the subsoil layer. This movement ofsoil greatly reduces subsoil compaction. Additionally, thefluted-concave disc blade is capable of cutting through most heavy cropresidue.

Another advantage is that unlike some other tilling systems, the presentinvention can be used for either fall or spring tilling. It creates aseedbed that is level and uniform and will not leave coulter slots thatare susceptible to drying out. The vertical tilling system fills thelong-felt need for a tilling implement that is capable of cutting deadplant material, preparing the soil for planting, and leveling the soilsurface in one pass, without leaving a compacted soil layer.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a vertical tillagesystem is disclosed that includes a main frame extending from a rear endto a front end along a direction of travel when pulled by anagricultural vehicle. The vertical tillage system also includes at leasttwo rows of fluted-concave disc blades supported by the main frame, thefluted-concave disc blades connected to the main frame through an axisto rotatably engage soil passing under the main frame at a desiredtilling depth, each fluted-concave disc blade having a plurality ofpeaks and troughs formed about an outer periphery of the fluted-concavedisc blade and extending inward from the outer periphery. Additionally,the vertical tillage system includes at least one member providingdownward pressure. The members attached to the main frame at a positionproximate to the rear end of the main frame relative to the position ofthe fluted-concave disc blades and exert a downward pressure thatreduces and dampens the motion of the mainframe caused by thefluted-concave disc blades rotatably engaging the soil.

Furthermore, the vertical tillage system has a pair of wheels arrangedproximate to the front end of the main frame and distal ends of at leastone row of the fluted-concave disc blades to further reduce and dampenthe motion of the mainframe caused by the fluted-concave disc bladesrotatably engaging the soil.

Additionally, the pair of stabilizing wheels may be connected to themain frame through a pivot.

Also, the member that provides downward pressure includes a rollingbasket.

Additionally, the rolling basket may include helically twisted bars.

Additionally, the rolling basket may include round bars.

Further still, one or more of the members may provide downward pressureincludes an additional row of fluted-concave disc blades.

In addition, the rows of fluted-concave disc blades may be indexed.

Also, the fluted-concave disc blades may have varying diameters and thesmallest diameters blades may be arranged at the distal ends of therows.

Furthermore, one or more of the rows of fluted-concave disc blades maynot be perpendicular to a centerline of the main frame.

Also, the rows of fluted-concave disc blades may include two or morerows arranged symmetrically about the centerline of the main frame.

Furthermore, the vertical tilling system may include at least one rowthat is oriented at an angle of about 18 degrees relative to a directionthat is perpendicular to the direction of travel.

Also, the fluted-concave disc blades may have a concavity of 1.25 to1.69 inches.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a system for tillingis disclosed that includes a main frame extending from a rear end to afront end along a direction of travel when pulled by an agriculturalvehicle. The system also includes a plurality of indexed rows, each ofthe plurality of indexed rows having an axle with a plurality of flutedblades located along the axle, the plurality of indexed rows supportedby and spatially arranged beneath the main frame such that when thetilling system is pulled by the agricultural vehicle it creates atilling path. The system further includes an adjustable pressureassembly that is attached to the rear end of the main frame. The systemalso includes a rolling basket assembly connected to the adjustablepressure assembly, the rolling basket assembly extending downward to thetilling path. When pulled by the agricultural vehicle, the plurality offluted blades rotate to till soil along a tilling path by moving thesoil both away from the faces of the fluted-concave disc blades as wellas kicking soil up behind the fluted-concave disc blades as they rotateand wherein the rolling basket assembly pulverizes and levels the soil.

Also, all of the indexed rows of fluted-concave disc blades may bespatially arranged such that all of the rotational axes of the rows offluted-concave disc blades are perpendicular to the direction of travelof the tilling system.

Furthermore, the indexed rows of fluted-concave disc blades may bespatially arranged such that the rotational axis of at least one of theindexed rows of fluted-concave disc blades is not perpendicular to thedirection of travel of the tilling system.

Additionally, the indexed rows of fluted-concave disc blades may bespatially arranged to form an x-shaped pattern.

Also, the indexed rows of fluted-concave disc blades may be spatiallyarranged to form a k-shaped pattern.

Further still, the indexed rows of fluted-concave disc blades may bespatially arranged to form a diamond-shaped pattern.

Also, the member providing downward pressure may be rolling baskets eachhaving a rotational axis, at least two of the which are not collinear.However, these could be collinear.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method formanufacturing a vertical tillage system is disclosed that includes theextending a main frame from a rear end to a front end along a directionof travel when pulled by an agricultural vehicle. The method alsoincludes mounting at least two rows of fluted-concave disc blades to themain frame a plurality crests and troughs formed around an outerperiphery of the fluted-concave disc blade and extending inward from theouter periphery and the fluted-concave disc blade connected to the mainframe through a pivot axis to rotatably engage soil passing under themain frame at a desired tilling depth. Furthermore, the method includesmounting at least one member providing downward pressure to the mainframe at a position proximate to the rear end of the main frame relativeto the position of the fluted-concave disc blades and exerting adownward pressure configured to cause the fluted-concave disc blades toextend into the soil to the desired tilling depth and reduce and dampenthe motion of the main frame caused by the fluted-concave disc bladesrotatably engaging the soil.

Various other features of the present invention will be made apparentfrom the following detailed description of the drawings.

DRAWINGS

In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings whichillustrate one embodiment of the invention where like elements sharecommon designations.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view an embodiment of a portion of thepresent invention showing further detail of the rows of fluted-concavedisc blades and rolling baskets;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a row of fluted-concave discblades;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a row of fluted-concave discblades;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a schematic illustrating an embodiment of flutedconcave disc blades in a k-shaped formation; and

FIG. 6 is a top view of a schematic illustrating an embodiment of flutedconcave disc blades in a diamond shaped formation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a vertical tilling implement 2 is shown. Anagricultural vehicle pulls the vertical tilling implement 2 in adirection of motion A. The vertical tilling implement 2 includes a mainframe 4. The main frame 4 has a hitch 6 on the front end that may beused to connect the vertical tilling implement 2 to an agriculturalvehicle such as a tractor. Additionally, a set of wheels 8 are connectedto the main frame 4. The set of wheels 8 are oriented in a directionthat is in general alignment with the direction of motion A. The set ofwheels 8 includes a set of center wheels 10 and a set of pivoting wheels12. The set of center wheels 10 is attached across the main frame 4 atpositions, for example, roughly midway between the front and rear endsof the main frame 4. The set of center wheels 10 may include a systemfor adjusting the distance between the main frame 4 and the set ofcenter wheels 10. This system for adjusting may permit the set of centerwheels 10 to be statically fixed during the movement of the verticaltilling implement 2 or to be dynamically adjustable as the verticaltilling implement 2 travels. The set of pivoting wheels 12 are connectedto the front distal ends of the main frame 4. As will be described, theset of pivoting wheels 12 may include at least two pivoting wheels thatreduce the amount of lateral movement of vertical tilling implement 2 asit is pulled.

The vertical tilling implement 2 also includes a plurality of rows offluted-concave disc blades 14 attached to the main frame 4. Inaccordance with one configuration, the plurality of rows offluted-concave disc blades 14 are indexed. In particular, the pluralityof rows of fluted-concave disc blades 14 includes a front left row 16, afront right row 18, a rear left row 20, and a rear right row 22. Whenindexed, the front left row 16 and the front right row 18 are alignedwith the rear left row 20 and the rear right row 22 such that areas ofground between the blades in the front left rows 16 and the front rightrow 18 are engaged by the blades in the rear left row 20 and the rearright row 22 as the tilling implement is pulled forward.

The fluted-concave disc blades will induce lateral and vertical forcesin the vertical tilling implement 2. The fluted-concave disc blades onthe plurality of rows of fluted-concave disc blades 14 have surfacefeatures, as will be described below. The rotation of the fluted-concavedisc blades and the engagement of the surface features of the bladeswill displace soil during the tilling operation. However, the engagementof the surface features of the blades with the soil will also apply aforce to the blades. The blades engagement with the soil will displacethe fluted-concave disc blades in a direction perpendicular to theblades direction of rotation. Moreover, if the vertical tilling systemis pulled at high speed, it has a tendency to be forced upward anddisengage the soil. In the aggregate, the engagement of the plurality ofrows of fluted-concave disc blades 14 with the soil during the tillingoperation will generate vertical and lateral forces on the main frame 4.When sufficiently strong, these vertical and lateral forces can createinstability in the vertical tilling implement 2 as the vertical tillingimplement 2 is pulled forward. As will be described, these pitfalls havebeen overcome in the present invention.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the front left row 16 is symmetricabout a centerline 17 of the vertical tilling implement 2 with the frontright row 18. Likewise, the rear left row 20 is symmetric about thecenterline 17 of the vertical tilling implement 2 with the rear rightrow 22. Additionally, the front left row 16 is substantially symmetricabout a line perpendicular to the direction of motion A with the rearleft row 20. Likewise, the front right row 18 is substantially symmetricabout a line perpendicular to the direction of motion A with a rearright row 22. These general symmetries may involve some of the rowsbeing offset relative to the others to achieve the indexing of theblades as described above.

When the plurality of rows of fluted-concave disc blades 14 are arrangedin a symmetrical arrangement about the centerline 17, such asillustrated in FIG. 1, a gap between each side of symmetrical rows maybe created. A center tilling member 23 may be placed in this gap toensure that all the soil passing under the vertical tilling implement 2is tilled as the tilling implement is pulled forward. The center tillingmember 23 may be a coulter, as shown in FIG. 1, another fluted discblade, or the like.

It should be observed that although FIG. 1 only shows four rows includedin the plurality of rows of fluted-concave disc blades 14, there may befewer or more rows of fluted-concave disc blades. Additionally, whilethe illustrated embodiment shows the plurality of rows of fluted-concavedisc blades 14 having an x-shaped configuration based on the describedsymmetry, the plurality of rows of fluted-concave disc blades 14 mayhave a different configuration. For example, the plurality of rows offluted-concave disc blades 14 may have a diamond configuration, ak-shaped configuration, or all may be parallel with each other in adirection perpendicular to the direction of motion A. Furthermore, it iscontemplated that some or all of the rows may be configured inasymmetric arrangements.

It should be further observed that the rows may be at oriented at anglesof about 18 degrees from a direction perpendicular to the direction ofpull. As described above, known tillage implements utilizing typicalsmooth concave blades would not operate properly under such anaggressive angle and achieve satisfactory results. Historically, flatblades mounted in rows at this aggressive of an angle would break as aresult of the massive side pressure of the soil as the tillage implementwas pulled and would tend to leave large clods of soil that require asecond tilling pass. However, in the disclosed embodiments, the flutedblades are unexpectedly capable of one-pass tilling at this aggressivegang angle despite only having a shallow concavity.

Rolling basket assemblies 24 are connected to the rear end of the mainframe 4 to provide downward pressure. As will be described, the rollingbasket assemblies 24 may be replaced with any other acceptable memberthat is capable of exerting a desired downward pressure, includingadditional rows of fluted-concave disc blades, and the like. AlthoughFIG. 1 shows three rolling basket assemblies 24, two of which havingrotational axes which are not collinear with the third, the rollingbasket assemblies 24 may include fewer or more members providingdownward force.

Because the rotation of the fluted-concave disc blades will inducevertical and lateral movement of the entire system, the inclusion ofrolling basket assemblies 24 is critical to dampen the rear end of themain frame 4. When the vertical tilling implement 2 is pulled by thehitch 6, the main frame 4 is held down by the downward pressure providedby the rolling basket assemblies 24. This downward force will reduce anddampen the vertical and lateral movement of the main frame 4 induced bythe rotation of the fluted-concave disc blades and their engagement withthe soil.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, detailed views of the rear left row20 and the rolling basket assemblies 24 are shown. The rear left row 20,like the other rows in the plurality of rows of fluted-concave discblades 14, is attached to the main frame 4. The rear left row 20 has arotational axis 26 about which the fluted-concave disc blades areallowed to freely rotate. As shown, the rear left row 20, like the otherrows in the plurality of rows of fluted-concave disc blades 14, also hasa first half row 28 and a second half row 30. It should be appreciatedthat although a first half row 28 and a second half row 30 are shown,that different division of rows may exist. Also, there may be nodivision of the rows. The first half row 28 and the second half row 30are attached to a row bar 32 by a set of u-shaped mounting brackets 34.A plurality of bars 36 extend down from the row bars 32 and between thediscs to catch debris. The row bar 32 is connected to the main frame 4using a set of brackets 38. The set of u-shaped mounting brackets 34 andthe set of bars 36 may be somewhat elastic relative to the main frame 4such that the each of the plurality of rows of fluted-concave discblades 14 are permitted to be slightly displaced when the verticaltilling implement 2 is in use.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a side view of the rear left row 20 isshown. This end view of the rear left row 20 illustrates both thefeatures of an individual fluted-concave disc blade as well as thecomparative diameters of the fluted-concave disc blades relative to oneanother. A first blade 40 is located on the end of the rear left row 20.The first blade 40 is permitted to freely rotate around an axle 42 thatis aligned along rotational axis 26. The first blade 40 has a flatcenter portion 44 and a series of crests and troughs 46, as shown,extending a-radially inward from the outer periphery of the first blade40. The series of crests and troughs 66 forms, a plurality of flutes 48.

Also connected to axle 42 are a second blade 50, a third blade 52, afourth blade 54, and a number of other blades which may have similarsurface features as the first blade 40. As shown in FIG. 4, the bladesare arranged such that blades with the smallest diameter, in this casethe first blade 40, are positioned on the outermost position in the rearleft row 20. The second blade 50, which has a larger diameter than firstblade 40 is positioned in the second outermost position in the rear leftrow 20. Continuing inward, the third blade 52 and the fourth blade 54are also connected to the axle 42. Both the third blade 52 and thefourth blade 54 have a greater diameter than the second blade 50.However, as shown, the third blade 52 and the fourth blade 54 havesimilar diameters as do all subsequent blades further positioned downthe rear left row 20.

Although the disclosed embodiment only shows three different bladediameters, it should be appreciated that the number of blades havingdifferent diameters may vary. Additionally, the disclosed embodimentonly shows a configuration in which the blade diameters decrease andthen remain uniform across the row. However, other configurations ofblades are possible and this disclosure is not intended to limit theinvention to a particular configuration of blades.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the manner in which theblades are organized in the rear left row 20 may mirror the manner inwhich the blades are organized in rear right row 22. Likewise, the frontleft row 16 and the front right row 18 may exhibit similar organizationto the rear rows. Also, organization among and between the rows mayvary.

As discussed above, the blades in the rows may be indexed to improve theuniformity of the tilling. The blade diameters and blade locations alongthe axles may be indexed to optimize the performance of the verticaltilling implement 2 as it is pulled. Based on the angles at which eachof the rows of fluted-concave disc blades are positioned, it may bedesirable to alter the spacing and diameters of the blades located alongeach row. The blades can be arranged on the rows such that the blades inthe rear rows 20 and 22 will engage any soil that was not engaged by theblades in the front rows 16 and 18. Commonly, this can be achieved byoffsetting the blades in the front rows 16 and 18 relative to the rearrows 20 and 22 by one-half of the blade-to-blade distance.

It should be appreciated that although the crests and troughs are shownas a-radially extending inward from the outer periphery of thefluted-concave disc blades, that the crests and troughs may also extendradially towards the center of the blade. Put another way, each of theflutes has a crest and an adjacent valley at the outer periphery, witheach crest and adjacent valley extending back from the outer peripheryin respective adjacent lines. These lines may either be disposed at apredetermined acute angle with respect to the radius or be disposedradially.

Moreover, the plurality of flutes 48 permit the vertical tillingimplement 2 effectively till soil at tilling depths of only 2 inches,whereas the known tilling implements would need to engage the soil atdepths of 3 to 6 inches to effective till the soil. The a-radial natureof the plurality of flutes 48 may tend to pick up larger swaths of soilthan normal concave blades. Additionally, fluted-concave disc bladeswith a shallow concavity of 1.25 to 1.69 inches till a wider width ofsoil than smooth disc blades with the same concavity. Thus, thefluted-concave disc blades are capable of achieving a sufficientlythorough width of till to depths exceeding the depth of thefluted-concave disc blades' engagement with the soil. It should beappreciated that this phenomenon also can be used to reduce the amountof side pressure that the soil will exert on the blades, given theblades reduced engagement depth with the soil. Additionally, the rollingbasket assemblies 24 can help to break up any large clods of soil thatremain as the result of the aggressive gang angles.

It should also be appreciated that the surface of the blade canoptionally include surface scoring. The scoring can be roughly alignedwith the radial or a-radial orientation of the plurality of flutes 48 asdescribed in the above paragraph.

Moreover, it should be appreciated that the fluted-concave disc bladesare concave. Even at shallow concavities between 1.25 and 1.69 inches,the fluted-concave disc blade will not fail like the known disc bladeseven at steep gang angles approaching 18 degrees. These shallowconcavities, coupled with the plurality of flutes 48, permit thefluted-concave disc blades to operate without the formation of a subsoilcompaction layer.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the rolling basket assemblies 24 are connectedto the main frame 4 by an adjustable pressure assembly 56. Theadjustable pressure assembly 56 includes a set of arms 58 extendingrearwardly from the main frame 4 and downwardly to engage the rollingbasket assemblies 24. The set of arms 58 includes a pair of fixed beams60 which have a set of spring connection points 62 positionedfrontwardly on the fixed beams 60 and a set of links 64 that is hingedlyconnected to the fixed beams 60 near the midpoints of the fixed beams60. A set of springs 66 run between the set of spring connection points62 and the set of links 64. The set of links 64 also connect in therearward direction to a set of L-shaped bars 68. The set of L-shapedbars 68 are positionally adjustable but are also connected to andrestricted in movement by a pair of slide bearings 69 located on the setof fixed beams 60 at a point near the rearward ends of the set of fixedbeams 60.

The adjustable pressure assembly 56 applies a downward force on therolling basket assemblies 24. The set of springs 66 may be selected toapply a desired force on the set of links 64. This force will cause theset of links 64 to rotate about their hinged connections to the fixedbeams 60 such that the set of L-shaped bars 68 exert more or lessdownward force into the rolling basket assemblies 24.

The rolling basket assemblies 24 includes a frame 70 extending betweenthe set of arms 58 and about the ends of a rolling basket 71. To thisend, the frame 70 engages the rolling basket 71 through a rotationalcoupling 72, such that the rolling basket 71 is capable of rotatingabout a rotational axis 74. Although multiple rolling basket assemblies24 are not required, in the case where there are multiple rolling basketassemblies 24, their respective rotational axes, as illustrated, may benon-collinear. However, it is contemplated that in some applications, itmay be desirable for the rotational axes to be collinear.

The rolling basket 71 is formed by a plurality of bars 76 that extendbetween end caps 78 and around a set of supporting framework rings 80.The end caps 78 engage the rotational coupling 72 to allow the rollingbasket assemblies 24 to rotate. As illustrated, it is contemplated thatthe plurality of bars 76 may have a helical configuration, such that theplurality of bars 76 twist around the cylindrical face of the rollingbasket assemblies 24. However, in some configurations, straight or othervaried arrangements may be utilized. The plurality of bars 76 may haveflat or rounded surfaces. In the illustrated configuration, theplurality of bars 76 have flat surfaces and a square-shapedcross-section. Furthermore, the plurality of bars 76 are mounted betweenthe end caps 78 such that the outermost edge of the diameter of therolling basket assemblies 24 are the sharp corners of the plurality ofbars 76. As such, as the rolling basket assemblies 24 rotate, a sharpcorner is designed to impact the ground surface and, thereby, penetrate,and preferably, explode, the clumped soil and/or residue.

When the vertical tilling implement 2 is pulled in a direction ofmovement A, the plurality of rows of fluted-concave disc blades 14 arepulled though the soil. These fluted-concave disc blades engage the soilto a tilling depth that is typically 2 inches or less. Thefluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction both lateral tothe blades as well as up. An a-radial orientation of the series ofcrests and troughs 46 and the plurality of flutes 48 can improve themovement of the soil in both the vertical direction as well as thelateral direction. As the soil passes under the vertical tillingimplement 2, it is first engaged by the front left row 16 and frontright row 18. Next, it is engaged by the rear left row 20 and the rearright row 22. The center tilling member 23 will till soil that would nototherwise be tilled because it is located in the gap between theplurality of rows of fluted-concave disc blades 14. If large soil clumpsbecome stuck between two adjacent blades, the set of bars 36 will assistin dislodging the large soil clumps and knocking the large soil clumpsoff of the blades. Finally, the soil passes under the rolling basketassemblies 24 having helical rolling bars 76. The rolling basket 71rotates and the edge of the plurality of bars 76 act to both crush theremaining large chunks of earth as well as to level the soil.

Because the blades have flutes, the vertical tilling implement 2 has atendency to move back and forth laterally and up and down vertically asis pulled forward by the tractor. This problem is alleviated in twoways. First, the set of pivoting wheels 12 act to stabilize theside-to-side motion of the vertical tilling implement 2. Second, thedownward force applied by the adjustable pressure assembly 56 throughrolling basket assemblies 24 inhibits the side-to-side and up-and-downmotion of the vertical tilling implement 2. The downward force on therolling basket assemblies 24 in conjunction with the forward forceapplied by the tractor pulling hitch 6 will have the effect of puttingthe vertical tilling implement 2 in a state of tension from front toback. This tension will generally inhibit the amount of vertical andlateral movement that the vertical tilling implement 2 experiences.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a schematic illustrating an embodiment of thevertical tilling implement 2, including rows of fluted concave discblades in a k-shaped formation. FIG. 6 is a top view of a schematicillustrating an embodiment of the vertical tilling implement 2,including rows of fluted concave disc blades in a diamond shapedformation.

The overall configuration of the system also serves to dampen thevibration and permit increased operational speeds of up to approximately10 miles per hour. The combination of the design of the blades, theangle of the rows, and the flexible nature of the u-shaped mountingbrackets 34 and the adjustable pressure assembly 56 permits the verticaltilling implement 2 to be pulled at speeds over 10 mph

The present invention has many unexpected and unpredicted advantages.First, the use of fluted-concave disc blades in the tilling implementpermits the use of more aggressive gang angles without resulting inincreased disc failures or the generation of large clumps of soilrequiring multiple passes. Second, while the known tilling implementsneed to engage the soil to a depth of 3 to 6 inches to properly till thesoil and leave a level surface, the vertical tilling implement iscapable of performing achieving a similar quality of till with soilengagement of 2 inches or less. Third, unlike known tilling implements,the vertical tilling system is capable of having gangs mounted at anaggressive angle (about 18 degrees), but has discs with only a shallowconcavity and will not result in the formation of a compaction layer.Fourth, the vertical tilling system is capable of traveling at greaterspeeds than the known tilling systems having freely-rotatable disc.While other tilling implements can not be pulled at speeds of more than6 miles per hour without disengaging the soil or causing disc bladefailure, the disclosed vertical tilling system is capable of beingpulled at speeds greater than 10 miles per hour.

A preferred embodiment of the invention has been described inconsiderable detail. Many modifications and variations to the preferredembodiment described will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill inthe art. Therefore, the invention should not be limited to theembodiment described.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A tilling implement, comprising: a frontrow of shallow disc blades coupled to a main frame and having a frontright portion and a front left portion, wherein the front right portionextends across a right tilling path on a right side of a centerline ofthe implement, and the front left portion extends across a left tillingpath on a left side of the centerline of the implement; a rear row ofshallow disc blades coupled to the main frame and having a rear rightportion and a rear left portion, the rear right portion following behindthe front right portion in the right tilling path and the rear leftportion following behind the front left portion in the left tilling pathwhen the implement is displaced through a field, wherein at least aportion of the shallow disc blades comprises shallow fluted-concave discblades; a pair of wheels, each positioned forward of the main framealong a direction of travel, and proximate to a laterally outward end ofthe front row of shallow disc blades, wherein the pair of wheels isconfigured to reduce motion of the main frame perpendicular to thedirection of travel caused by the shallow fluted-concave disc bladesrotatably engaging the soil; at least one member providing downwardpressure, the at least one member attached to the main frame at aposition proximate to a rear end of the main frame relative to aposition of the shallow disc blades and exerting a downward pressurethat reduces and dampens the motion of the main frame caused by theshallow fluted-concave disc blades rotatably engaging the soil; whereineach shallow disc blade has a concavity of 1.25 to 1.69 inches, and theconcavity of each shallow disc blade is substantially identical; whereinthe implement includes no ground engaging tool between the front rightportion and the rear right portion in the right tilling path, and noground engaging tool between the front left portion and the rear leftportion in the left tilling path; and wherein each ground engaging toolin the right tilling path and each ground engaging tool in the lefttilling path is configured to rotate in operation.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein each shallow disc blade of the front row comprises ashallow fluted-concave disc blade, each shallow disc blade of the rearrow comprises a shallow fluted-concave disc blade, or a combinationthereof.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one memberproviding downward pressure includes a rolling basket.
 4. The system ofclaim 3, wherein the rolling basket includes helically twisted bars. 5.The system of claim 1, wherein the front left portion and the frontright portion are angled symmetrically with respect to a lineperpendicular to the centerline of the implement.
 6. The system of claim5, wherein the front left portion and the front right portion arepositioned at an angle of about 18 degrees with respect to the lineperpendicular to the centerline.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein theshallow disc blades of the front row are arranged in at least one gang,and the shallow disc blades of the rear row are arranged in at least onegang.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the shallow disc blades includea plurality of diameters, and wherein the shallow disc blades having thesmallest of the plurality of diameters are arranged at an end of each ofthe rows farthest from the centerline of the implement.
 9. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the rear left portion and the rear right portion areangled symmetrically with respect to a line perpendicular to thecenterline of the implement.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the rearleft portion and the rear right portion are positioned at an angle ofabout 18 degrees with respect to the line perpendicular to thecenterline.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the front left portionand the front right portion and the rear left portion and the rear rightportion are angled symmetrically with respect to the centerline of theimplement.
 12. The system of claim 1, comprising a central groundengaging tool positioned generally along the centerline of the implementbetween the right tilling path and the left tilling path.
 13. The systemof claim 12, wherein the central ground engaging tool is configured torotate in operation.
 14. A ground working implement comprising: a frontrow of shallow disc blades coupled to a main frame and having a frontright portion and a front left portion; a rear row of shallow discblades coupled to the main frame and having a rear right portion and arear left portion, the rear right portion following behind the frontright portion and the rear left portion following behind the front leftportion when the implement is displaced through a field, wherein atleast a portion of the shallow disc blades of the front row, at least aportion of the shallow disc blades of the rear row, or a combinationthereof, comprises shallow fluted-concave disc blades; a pair of wheels,each positioned forward of the main frame along a direction of travel,and proximate to a laterally outward end of the front row of shallowdisc blades, wherein the pair of wheels is configured to reduce motionof the main frame perpendicular to the direction of travel caused by theshallow fluted-concave disc blades rotatably engaging the soil; anadjustable pressure assembly attached to a rear end of the main frame,and a rolling basket assembly connected to the adjustable pressureassembly, the rolling basket assembly extending downward toward atilling path; wherein each shallow disc blade has a concavity of 1.25 to1.69 inches, and the concavity of each shallow disc blade issubstantially identical; wherein the implement includes no groundengaging tool between the front right portion and the rear rightportion, and no ground engaging tool between the front left portion andthe rear left portion; and wherein all ground engaging tools disposed onthe implement are configured to rotate in operation.
 15. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the front left portion, front right portion, rear leftportion and rear right portion are angled symmetrically with respect toa line perpendicular to a centerline of the implement.
 16. The system ofclaim 15, wherein the front left portion and the front right portion arepositioned at an angle of about 18 degrees with respect to the lineperpendicular to the centerline.
 17. The system of claim 14, wherein thefront and rear rows of shallow disc blades are spatially arranged toform an x-shaped pattern, the front and rear rows of shallow disc bladesare spatially arranged to form a k-shaped pattern, or the front and rearrows of shallow disc blades are spatially arranged to form adiamond-shaped pattern.
 18. The system of claim 14, wherein each shallowdisc blade of the front row comprises a shallow fluted-concave discblade, each shallow disc blade of the rear row comprises a shallowfluted-concave disc blade, or a combination thereof.
 19. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the rolling basket assembly includes a plurality ofrolling baskets.
 20. A tilling implement comprising: a front row ofshallow fluted-concave disc blades coupled to a main frame and having afront right portion and a front left portion, wherein the front rightportion extends across a right tilling path on a right side of acenterline of the implement, and the front left portion extends across aleft tilling path on a left side of the centerline of the implement; arear row of shallow fluted-concave disc blades coupled to the main frameand having a rear right portion and a rear left portion, the rear rightportion following behind the front right portion in the right tillingpath and the rear left portion following behind the front left portionin the left tilling path when the implement is displaced through afield; a pair of wheels, each positioned forward of the main frame alonga direction of travel, and proximate to a laterally outward end of thefront row of shallow fluted-concave disc blades, wherein the pair ofwheels is configured to reduce motion of the main frame perpendicular tothe direction of travel caused by the shallow fluted-concave disc bladesrotatably engaging the soil; at least one member providing downwardpressure, the at least one member attached to the main frame at aposition proximate to a rear end of the main frame relative to aposition of the shallow fluted-concave disc blades and exerting adownward pressure that reduces and dampens the motion of the main framecaused by the shallow fluted-concave disc blades rotatably engaging thesoil; wherein each shallow fluted-concave disc blade has a concavity of1.25 to 1.69 inches, and the concavity of each shallow fluted-concavedisc blade is substantially identical; wherein the implement includes noground engaging tool between the front right portion and the rear rightportion in the right tilling path, and no ground engaging tool betweenthe front left portion and the rear left portion in the left tillingpath; and wherein each ground engaging tool in the right tilling pathand each ground engaging tool in the left tilling path is configured torotate in operation.